The arrangement, which provides a blueprint for U.S.-Indonesian cooperation on efforts to secure and safeguard nuclear materials, was signed at the 2004 Asia-Pacific Nuclear Safeguards and Security Conference in Sydney, Australia.

"This is an important step in nonproliferation efforts worldwide," said Longsworth. "It is essential that we have international cooperation to prevent nuclear materials from getting in the wrong hands, and I look forward to continuing an already positive relationship with Indonesia."

This cooperation builds on an existing relationship between the two countries. In October 2004, the U.S. and Indonesia renewed the agreement for cooperation concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy. NNSA officials have also worked with Indonesian nuclear experts to upgrade physical security at nuclear facilities in Indonesia and to address spent fuel disposal issues.

The new arrangement will expand the scope of cooperation between the United States and Indonesia in nuclear nonproliferation. Technical projects under the new arrangement will further both countries' efforts to support International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards to account for and verify nuclear materials under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Examples of potential cooperation include an assessment of potential threats at nuclear facilities, barrier upgrades, surveillance enhancements, and reducing time required to respond to threats.

NNSA's Office of International Safeguards will work with its Indonesian counterparts to carry out the arrangement. The Office of International Safeguards works with foreign governments and the IAEA to promote effective nuclear material safeguards and security. The program provides vital support to the IAEA and works with partners to develop infrastructure for ensuring nuclear materials are accounted for and are used only for peaceful purposes.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear energy. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without underground nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.